Bears Trade Two First-Round Picks to Titans for All-Pro DT Jeffery Simmons

The Chicago Bears made the boldest move of the NFL trade season on Thursday, agreeing to acquire All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans for two first-round picks.

The Titans announced the deal, which the teams agreed to Thursday morning pending a physical. It sends a clear signal that the 5-2 Bears believe they can contend for a Super Bowl this season, while the 1-6 Titans add a large haul of draft capital for their rebuild.

What did the Bears give up for Jeffery Simmons?

According to the Titans, the trade breaks down like this:

Titans receive: - Chicago’s 2027 first-round pick - Chicago’s 2027 fourth-round pick - Chicago’s 2028 first-round pick

Bears receive: - Jeffery Simmons - Tennessee’s 2028 fifth-round pick

Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi said Tennessee had not been shopping Simmons before Bears GM Ryan Poles called Wednesday night with an offer he felt the team could not turn down, Pro Football Network reported.

“It was hard, was really hard. I know Jeff did not want to leave here,” Borgonzi said. “I thanked him for everything he has done here on and off the field. It was a really hard conversation for him. I also told him it was a great opportunity for him to compete now for a Super Bowl.”

What is Jeffery Simmons’ contract?

Simmons signed a three-year, $105.8 million extension earlier this year that carries $100 million in total guarantees, including $60.2 million fully guaranteed at signing, according to Pro Football Network. Chicago takes on that deal as part of the trade.

How good is Jeffery Simmons?

Simmons has spent his entire NFL career in Tennessee since the Titans drafted him 19th overall out of Mississippi State in 2019. He made four Pro Bowls and was a five-time team captain, the Titans said, and was elected captain again in September.

His stats this season, per Yahoo Sports, through seven games:

• 4 sacks
• 38 tackles
• 9 quarterback hits
• 13 pressures
• 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery

Yahoo Sports also noted that no defensive tackle has a higher pass-rush win rate than Simmons’ 27% by ESPN’s metric, even though he has faced double teams on 84% of his pass-rush snaps. Pro Football Network said he has 46.5 career sacks in eight seasons.

Did the Bears overpay?

That is the big debate. Early reactions collected by Pro Football Network questioned the price, with some calling it an overpay for Chicago.

Executives and coaches who spoke anonymously to Yahoo Sports were split on value. One AFC assistant called it a “great trade value-wise” for Tennessee long term. One NFC executive valued Simmons at a first- and a second-round pick, while an AFC executive suggested “maybe a one and change.” Another NFC executive said that, for the Bears specifically, a 2027 first and a 2028 third would have been worth it. Taken together, those views suggest the league sees Chicago’s price as steep, though the Bears clearly weighed a title window over future picks.

What did the Titans say about Simmons?

Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk thanked Simmons in a statement released by the team. “There are few people like Jeff Simmons. We are forever grateful for all he has given this team and this city,” she said, adding that his Give ‘Em A Reason Foundation “has changed lives in Middle Tennessee and in Mississippi.”

When is the NFL trade deadline?

The deadline is Nov. 10, which means the Simmons deal came 12 days before it, Pro Football Network noted. NFL.com said the move came in a week already full of major trades tied to the Indianapolis Colts’ sell-off.

What’s next for the Bears?

If Simmons passes his physical, he could make his Chicago debut when the Bears face the reigning champion Seattle Seahawks on Monday night, NFL.com noted. The Bears have not said when he will first play.

FAQ